Swollen Prostate Symptoms

The prostate is a male reproductive gland present at the neck of the urethra. Although smaller in size, the prostate gland plays an important role in functioning of the male reproductive system. It produces seminal fluid which is essential in carrying the sperms during ejaculation. The prostate gland is as small as the chest nut. However, it tends to enlarge and swell due to certain reasons. This condition is known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), or the swollen prostate. Among the diseases and disorders of the prostate gland, enlarged prostate or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is the most common one. It is found to be more common than prostate cancer.

Causes of Swollen Prostate
Prostate problems in young men are very rare. The exact cause of swelling or enlargement of the prostate gland is unknown. It is believed that the prostate gland keeps on growing in size from the time males reach the age of sexual maturation. Therefore, increasing age leads to increased growth of the gland which results in benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Therefore, it can be said that aging is one of the most prominent causes of swollen prostate. As the prostate gland increases in size, it exerts pressure on the bladder muscle making it contract more powerfully during urination. As this action continues, the bladder muscles become weak and hence, cause problems in urination. Enlarged prostate is a fairly common condition in men over 60 years of age. It is considered as natural and common as graying of hair or development of wrinkles. No other risk factors of the condition are known. Let us have a look at the prostate enlarged symptoms.

Swollen Prostate Signs and Symptoms
Unfortunately very few men suffering from enlarged prostate experience any symptoms of the condition. The following are the symptoms of enlarged prostate that can be related to the problem.

• Difficulty in starting urination
• Dribbling of urine
• Sensation as if bladder is not fully emptied
• Frequent urination
• Straining while urinating
• Strong desire to urinate at night
• Incontinence
• Urine retention
• Slower passing of urine

Treating Swollen Prostate
It is very difficult to diagnose the condition if no symptoms are observed. However, older men are advised to undertake regular checkup in order to diagnose disorders related to aging. On the other hand, if one observes any of the above mentioned enlarged prostate symptoms, he should consult the doctor immediately. Several tests and examination are undertaken for accurate diagnose of the disease. Urine test, urine culture examination, cystoscopy, etc. are some of the effective techniques used to diagnose swollen prostate. The doctor will also advise the person to keep a check on the frequency and flow of urine everyday as it can be helpful in determination of the condition.

The treatment of the disease depends on the severity of the disease. Waiting and modifying lifestyle is the only effective 'treatment' for enlarged prostate. If milder or no symptoms are observed, men should only concentrate on having a healthy diet and lifestyle for prevention of the condition. On the other hand, if the symptoms are severe, medications like antibiotics are prescribed that treat the infections and also help in relaxation of the bladder muscles. It is very essential to treat swollen prostate symptoms as early as possible to prevent further complications like kidney failure, incontinence, kidney stones, etc. One may need to undergo a surgery if any of these complications occur.

There is no cure for swollen prostate, however, there are certain precautionary measures that one needs to follow in order to prevent the complications caused due to it. As mentioned above, older men should undergo regular health checkup. It is advisable to reduce smoking and alcohol consumption as it is believed to worsen the symptoms of swollen prostate. Lastly, having a balanced diet and regular exercise helps in prevention of this problem to a great extent. Take care!